SPLIT HEAT CYCLE (STARTING, STOPPING, THEN STARTING AGAIN)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
A split heat occurs when hormone levels rise enough to initiate estrus but then fall prematurely—often restarting weeks later.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Young dogs in first 1–2 cycles
• Stress
MEDICAL
• Hormonal imbalance
• Thyroid disease
• Ovarian cysts
• Early ovarian senescence (older pets)
EMERGENCY
Rare—unless accompanied by heavy bleeding.
RED FLAGS
• Heat cycle persisting >30 days
• Fever
• Pain
• Significant discharge
• If unsure, treat as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Prevent breeding
• Track bleeding patterns
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Hormone levels
• Thyroid panel
• Ultrasound of ovaries
• CBC
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Normal adolescent variation
• Hormonal suppression
• Ovarian cyst
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
• Within 72 hrs: prolonged bleeding
• 1–2 weeks: irregular cycle patterns
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Split cycles may precede ovarian disease in seniors.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Ideal for intact females with repeat irregularities.